1. Terry Crew

Terry grew up in what most people refer to as the ghetto. He overcame his unpleasant circumstances and earned a football scholarship.

Terry beat the odds and played for the NFL for seven years. It was after the fact he became a professional linebacker that he moved to LA and chased his dream of becoming a movie star. Goes to show it is never too late to chase a dream.

3. Michael Clarke Duncan

Bet a lot of people did not know this, Michael Duncan was the official bodyguard of Biggie Smalls the night Biggie died. Duncan was more than just a bodyguard to a famous rapper, he was a star in the making.

He learned the ropes in a rather scary way, however by protecting a famous person from harm, he was able to climb his way to the top at the same time.

4. Jesse Ventura

Navy seal trained and former military, Jesse, now an American politician, former wrestler and actor, was stationed in southeast Asia back in his younger days.

He was a true soldier, in the flesh and not just the movies. His fame came from years of military work and training. His military background might also help to explain how he came about to become Governor of Minnesota back in 1999.

5. Chuck Zito

Biker, former inmate, actor and yet loved by so many, Chuck Zito is the reason why Sons of Anarchy became so popular.

Not only is this former jailbird known for his scary TV roles, he actually lived the life he portrays on TV. Even though he was a bad boy in real life, he took his experiences and turned them around into fame and wealth.

11. Gwen Stefani

This well-known and often fashionably dressed celebrity worked at Dairy Queen in Orange County prior to her big break. She used to mop the floors, maybe that is where she came up with her song “Walking in a Spiderweb.”

13. Katy Perry

Before she was a California girl, Kate was a gospel singer at her parents’ church. Kate lived up to her parents’ expectations and is now one of the world’s most popular pop music artists – fireworks fly when she hits high notes!

21. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah has kind of been in the media her whole career, no wonder she is a billionaire, right? She started working at a radio station at the of age 17.

Oprah remained in the same career for years straight and ended up on the Forbes list later on in life. It pays to stick to one career at times, Oprah is the perfect example of how focusing on your dreams can lead to success.

26. Jennifer Lopez

27. Steve Harvey

Steve was homeless for three years while waiting for his big break into fame. He lived out of his car, and at times barely ate. The star is now 56 and has a net-worth higher than most people will ever make in their lifetime.